2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid aimed to redefine the minivan's aesthetic, presenting a more SUV-like appearance. Its wide grille and sleek LED headlamp arrays contributed to a modern look, while the sculpted sliding side doors added an assertive stance. The Sienna's exterior was marked by Toyota's renowned quality, with alloy wheels ranging from 17 to 20 inches, depending on the trim. Inside, the Sienna emphasized width with horizontal lines, offering a comfortable seating position and a simple, uncluttered dashboard. The second and third rows provided ample space for adults, with the second row sliding for maximum utility.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser, in its final year of the current form, retained a classic SUV design with a basic two-box shape. The Heritage Edition added a touch of nostalgia with its Midnight Black color, bronze BBS wheels, and old-school badges. Inside, the Land Cruiser featured plush, premium leather upholstery and a mix of Toyota parts-bin switchgear. The interior offered a commanding view, with heated and ventilated front seats and a four-zone automatic climate control system. The third-row seat accommodated adults if the second row slid forward, though leg support was lacking for long trips.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid marked Toyota's first hybrid minivan, combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to produce 243 horsepower. It offered front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available across all trims. The Sienna used an electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), which, while maximizing fuel efficiency, slightly dulled throttle response. The Sienna Hybrid boasted impressive EPA fuel economy numbers, achieving 36 mpg city, highway, and combined for FWD models, and 35/36/35 mpg for AWD models.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser, powered by a 381-horsepower 5.7-liter V8 engine, delivered a quiet yet powerful performance. Its eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel-drive system with a two-speed transfer case provided robust off-road capabilities. The Land Cruiser's Torsen limited-slip differential and Multi-Terrain Select traction assist ensured optimal power distribution and traction. Despite its off-road prowess, the Land Cruiser averaged 14.7 mpg, slightly above its EPA rating of 14 mpg combined. Its towing capacity was rated at 8,100 pounds, showcasing its strength and versatility.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna excelled in convenience and functionality, with a standard third-row 60/40-split bench that easily stored away. The second row slid up to 25 inches, facilitating access to the third row. The Sienna's cabin featured 16 cupholders and ample storage cubbies, while its cargo space accommodated a full four-by-eight sheet of plywood. With nominal cargo measurements of 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and 101.0 cubic feet behind the first row, the Sienna offered flexibility for various cargo needs. Its hybrid battery was cleverly tucked under the front seats, preserving cargo space.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser's interior, though dated, exuded luxury with plush leather upholstery and supportive seats. The front seats were heated and ventilated, and the SUV featured a four-zone automatic climate control system with 28 air vents. The third-row seat, accessible via the split clamshell-style liftgate, offered 16.1 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 41.4 cubic feet with the third-row seats folded. The Land Cruiser's maximum cargo space measured 82.8 cubic feet with the second-row seats down, providing ample room for various needs.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna was packed with technology, featuring a nine-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. It offered a range of connectivity options, including Safety Connect, Remote Connect, and Service Connect trials. The Sienna's audio systems ranged from a six-speaker stereo to a Premium Audio + JBL package with 12 speakers. A rear-seat entertainment system was available, featuring an 11.6-inch display. The driver enjoyed tech features like a color multi-information display and a 10-inch Head-Up Display in Platinum trims.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser's technology felt dated, with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system lacking swipe or scroll functionality. It ran on Toyota Entune technology, without Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The voice-recognition system was basic, and the dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system was limited to DVDs and HDMI connections. The Land Cruiser featured a 14-speaker JBL Synthesis premium audio system, though it fell short of high-end audio systems in other SUVs at this price point.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering features like dynamic radar cruise control, lane-tracing assist, and a pre-collision system. It included 10 airbags, LATCH connectors, and a rear-seat reminder system. A tire pressure monitoring system and an inflator kit were standard, with an optional spare tire. While 2021 crash-test ratings were unavailable, the 2020 Sienna received favorable ratings from IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser featured 10 airbags and Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P) driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning and adaptive cruise control. It also offered blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. However, it lacked advanced driving assistance systems like stop-and-go adaptive cruise control and automated lane-keeping, which were absent in this price class.